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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in Virginia

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

The University of Virginia's College at Wise delivers the state's lowest net cost for Business Administration at $11,180 annually, yet graduates earn just $30,616 on average. Meanwhile, William & Mary commands a $22,529 net price but produces the highest-earning graduates at $65,610 annually. This wide earnings gap reflects Virginia's varied economy, where business graduates can pursue federal contracting roles with defense giants like Northrop Grumman or enter management positions across the state's growing healthcare sector with employers like Inova Health. Public universities dominate the value market, with 11 of the top 15 schools charging in-state students under $16,000. George Mason University strikes a middle ground at $18,287 net cost while producing graduates earning $48,041, benefiting from proximity to the Washington D.C. metro area's concentration of government contractors and consulting firms that actively recruit business talent.
38
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$41,362
Avg. Program Earnings
55.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $22,529 $65,610 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
2 $12,134 $34,963 $18,457 28.1%
3 $14,170 $39,969 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
4 $11,180 $30,616 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
5 $18,287 $48,041 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
6 $23,911 $56,641 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
7 $21,816 $50,606 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
8 $16,640 $37,306 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
9 $14,553 $32,382 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
10 $20,814 $45,417 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
11 $21,108 $45,584 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
12 $23,790 $50,515 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
13 $23,262 $48,725 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
14 $22,341 $46,521 $17,488 100.0% 33.3%
15 $18,749 $38,289 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
16 $22,197 $44,276 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
17 $17,833 $35,274 $33,157 55.7%
18 $25,153 $49,084 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
19 $20,173 $38,559 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
20 $22,198 $41,007 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
21 $20,583 $37,208 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
22 $20,591 $36,668 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
23 $33,417 $56,544 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%
24 $19,580 $32,213 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
25 $24,372 $39,986 $18,238 13.6%
26 $20,473 $33,022 $18,484 44.7% 82.7%
27 $20,215 $31,670 $10,735 26.3%
28 $26,205 $39,986 $18,238 20.7%
29 $29,552 $43,269 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
30 $27,786 $36,938 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
31 $30,055 $39,585 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
32 $32,145 $39,369 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
33 $26,254 $30,228 $16,637 66.7%
34 $27,538 $30,228 $16,637 50.0%
35 $18,184 $9,248 26.1%
36 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
37 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
38 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $35,000 earnings gap between Virginia business programs?

William & Mary graduates earn $65,610 compared to $30,616 at UVA-Wise, reflecting school selectivity and regional job markets. William & Mary accepts just 33.5% of applicants and benefits from alumni networks in high-paying sectors. Schools near Washington D.C. like George Mason produce graduates earning $48,041, accessing federal contracting and consulting opportunities that command higher salaries.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Virginia?

Higher-cost programs generally produce better graduation outcomes, with William & Mary achieving 91% at $22,529 net cost. However, UVA-Wise proves the exception, graduating nearly 50% of students despite charging only $11,180 annually. Virginia Tech demonstrates strong value with an 86.3% graduation rate at $23,790, while several mid-tier programs struggle with rates below 50%.

Is attending a Virginia private college worth the premium for business students?

Most private colleges fail to justify their higher costs through earnings outcomes. Washington and Lee charges $23,911 net but produces graduates earning $56,641, trailing public William & Mary despite similar pricing. Bryant & Stratton's $12,134 net cost appears attractive, but graduates earn only $34,963 with concerning debt levels of $38,718.

Does location within Virginia significantly impact business graduate earnings?

Geographic proximity to Washington D.C. creates clear advantages for business graduates. George Mason in Fairfax produces graduates earning $48,041, while rural programs like UVA-Wise see earnings of $30,616. Northern Virginia's concentration of government contractors, consulting firms, and defense companies like Booz Allen Hamilton drives this disparity through abundant high-paying entry-level positions.

What debt levels should Virginia business students expect upon graduation?

Debt levels vary dramatically, from $14,500 at UVA-Wise to $38,718 at Bryant & Stratton College. Most public universities maintain reasonable debt loads under $25,000, with William & Mary at $19,500 and James Madison at $19,000. Private institutions often saddle graduates with higher debt that earnings may not justify, particularly concerning given Virginia's competitive business job market.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.